306km (190 miles) SW of Havana
María la Gorda offers over 50 different diving sites. The one hotel here caters almost exclusively to divers and dive groups, although it's also a good base for naturalists looking to explore the flora and fauna of the Guanacahabibes Peninsula, which UNESCO has declared an International Biosphere Reserve. The beach and hotel are named for a legendary Venezuelan beauty who was marooned here by pirates. María allegedly gained quite a reputation for her fleshy charms. She's long gone, but if you're looking to admire raw physical beauty, the diving wonders here are some of the best in the Caribbean!
The price includes:
-
Havana: 1 night at Plaza hotel (3*, B&B)
- Maria La Gorda: 5 nights at Maria La Gorda hotel (2*, FB)
- Havana: 1 night at Plaza hotel (3*, BBB)
- Arrival & departure transfers by private taxi
- Transfers to/from Maria La Gorda by shared coach
- English speaking dive instructor for every 5 people
- 8 dives
- Air tanks, weight belt and boat
- Meet & Greet Service at HAV airport upon arrival
Price Excludes
- International Flights
- Visa or Tourist Card
- Havana Airport tax (CUC 25 to be paid at the airport before leaving)
- Wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator, BTU and night diving equipment (all these itens available locally for rental)
- Tips, personal expense; extra meals and drinks in the hotels restaurants
- Anything not explicitly mentioned above
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1. Welcome to Havana
Arrival at Havana International airport
Transfer to the Hotel in Havana
Accommodation in Havana
Day 2. Maria La Gorda
Early in the morning (8:00 am), clients will be picked up at hotel in Havana by collective transfer to Maria la Gorda. Approximately 6 hours drive. Afternoon arrival at hotel in Maria la Gorda. Briefing with instructors and diving staff to plan diving sites to visit
Days 3, 4, 5 and 6. Diving days in Maria La Gorda
2 immersion/day according to scheduled with instructors
Day 7. Free morning and transfer back to Havana
This morning will be opened for nautical activities and to enjoy the beach. At 2:00 pm, transfer back to Havana
Day 8. Departure day
Morning at leisure in Havana
Departure transfer to HAV airport